16 kid-friendly picnic recipes

A picnic can be as simple or elaborate as you like. We’ve sourced our favourite kid-friendly recipes so the whole family can enjoy dining al fresco.

MUFFULETTA

Have you met muffuletta? It's a stuffed-to-the-brim Italian sandwich that can stay in your fridge for several days; so grab a wedge when you need a little nosh. The longer it sits, the better it tastes.
Get the recipe: Muffuletta

PICNIC PASTA SALAD

There's no doubt that pasta salad is a summer staple. This recipe uses fresh herbs blended with a creamy base that really carries the dressing all the way to flavour town. Throw in super ripe cherry tomatoes to give the salad a juicy sweetness and beautiful pop of colour. For serving at a picnic, try using Chinese-food takeout containers and chopsticks.
Get the recipe: Picnic Pasta Salad

BAKED BUTTERMILK CHICKEN STRIPS

Baked not fried, these breaded chicken strips are perfect hot or cold. Add them in the lunchbox or to a picnic basket. But whatever you do, don't forget the dip.
Get the recipe: Baked Buttermilk Chicken Strips

CHEESY BAKED BROCCOLI BITES

There’s no way your kiddos can turn up their noses at these crispy, cheesy nibbles. Plate with a little ketchup for dipping and your brood will never realize (or they won’t care!) that you served them two heads of broccoli as a snack.
Get the recipe: Cheesy Baked Broccoli Bites

HOMEMADE GINGER PORK POTSTICKERS

Ever had a cold potsticker? Turns out they're just as delicious as ones straight from the heat. Pack a little dipping sauce and have fun slam-dunking.
Get the recipe: Homemade Ginger Pork Potstickers

DEVILED EGGS

Deviled eggs have so much potential beyond the usual mayo and sprinkle of paprika; try dressing them up with our list of add-ons, like smoked salmon, curry paste or bacon.
Get the recipe: Deviled Eggs

SIMPLE SUN-DRIED TOMATO HUMMUS

If you love the rich flavour of tomatoes, you will love this simple sun–dried tomato hummus. It's infused with oregano and fresh lemon for flavour and a kick of brightness. Bring it to parties, picnics, road trips, and everywhere in between.
Get the recipe: Simple Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus

PERFECT CHEESE PLATTER

Think you can't be bougie on a picnic? Think again. Not just for holidays, a cheese platter or charcuterie board is a friend you want by your side year-round. Here's how to create a legendary one. Pack it all up and assemble once you get to your spot. Don't forget crusty bread.
Get the recipe: Cheese Platter

roasted-chickpeas-recipe-620x500

These tasty treats are easy to make in minutes. All you need is an inexpensive can of chickpeas, a bit of oil and some spices. They're addictive as a snack and are great in place of croutons in a salad or to top a bowl of soup.
Get the recipe: Roasted Chickpeas

BAKED CORN DOGS

Kids love corn dogs, who are we kidding, adults do, too. Since they’re typically deep-fried, they’re not particularly make-at-home-friendly. This version is made with cornbread batter thick enough to shape around the hot dogs and bake until golden. Pack mustard for dipping.
Get the recipe: Baked Corn Dogs

BEEF SATAY WITH PEANUT SAUCE

Flavourful beef satay are perfect for backyard barbecues or other entertaining. They work just as well as an appetizer as a main course.
Get the recipe: Beef Satay With Peanut Sauce

CURRIED CHICKPEA SALAD WITH QUINOA IN A JAR

Portable and already portioned, this protein-packed salad is versatile. Instead of the corn, try finely chopped cauliflower, diced apple or a handful of chopped dried apricots.
Get the recipe: Curried Chickpea Salad With Quinoa In A Jar

THE ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE

There is always time for cookies, but most especially at picnics. This is the only chocolate chip cookie recipe you will ever need. They are soft, chewy and just a little bit crisp around the edges. Finish it off with a little sprinkle of sea salt.
Get the recipe: The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE CRUNCH BARS WITH COCONUT WHIPPED CREAM

he shortcake crust on these strawberry bars has turbinado sugar, which provides a delightful crunch, while the pecans help out with the butteriness (they can’t help it — that’s just what they do). And what could be a better vehicle for shoveling whipped coconut cream studded with juicy strawberries into your mouth?
Get the recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Crunch Bars With Coconut Whipped Cream

MUFFULETTA

PICNIC PASTA SALAD

APRICOT, SRIRACHA AND GINGER-GLAZED MEATBALLS

BAKED BUTTERMILK CHICKEN STRIPS

CHEESY BAKED BROCCOLI BITES

HOMEMADE GINGER PORK POTSTICKERS

DEVILED EGGS

SIMPLE SUN-DRIED TOMATO HUMMUS

NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE BALLS

PERFECT CHEESE PLATTER

roasted-chickpeas-recipe-620x500

BAKED CORN DOGS

BEEF SATAY WITH PEANUT SAUCE

CURRIED CHICKPEA SALAD WITH QUINOA IN A JAR

THE ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE CRUNCH BARS WITH COCONUT WHIPPED CREAM

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